MADRID – Spanish police say they have arrested a Moroccan national in the northeastern city of Badalona on suspicion of having spent months praising jihadi terrorism and disseminating propaganda for the Islamic State group.

The suspect also allegedly tried to assess possible jihadi militants for "combat duties" in Syria and Iraq or for terror activities within their respective countries of origin, a statement said.

Spain and Morocco have arrested dozens of suspected jihadi militants and recruiters in recent years, with networks often centered in Spain's north African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.

The arrest in Badalona, which is 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) northeast of Barcelona, took place early Saturday, the statement said.

There are more than 1,200 Moroccans reportedly fighting in Syria, and more than 100 have been arrested upon their return.